Shakira has disclosed her admiration for Burna Boy and his music, particularly highlighting her appreciation for African music.
The Colombian superstar, who recently ended her relationship with Gerard Pique, discussed her thoughts on the Afrobeats genre and mentioned a few artists she enjoys during a cover shoot with Rolling Stone.
The conversation also delved into her lifestyle recommendations and the musical influences that have shaped her.
During the interview, Shakira described her music style as “eclectic, honest, and real,” noting her particular fondness for Afrobeats.
Shakira singled out Burna Boy as her favourite artist, stating that she listens to his songs frequently.
Shakira also mentioned her appreciation for Tyla, the rising South African singer.
“If I could explain my taste of music in three words I would say eclectic, honest, and real. In my car, whether I am driving at night, I love anything Afrobeats. I like Tyla, I like Burna Boy, anything Afrobeats but I love Burna very great,” she said.
Afrobeats is an umbrella term to describe popular music from West Africa and the diaspora that initially developed in Nigeria, Ghana, and the UK in the 2000s and 2010s.
Afrobeats is less of a style per se and more of a descriptor for the fusion of sounds flowing majorly out of Nigeria. Genres such as hiplife, jùjú music, highlife and Naija beats, among others, were amalgamated under the “Afrobeats” umbrella.
Shakira is hailed as one of the most influential and adored artists of all time. She is recognized for her pivotal role in opening up the international market for other Latin musicians.
Boasting an impressive record of over 100 million certified records sold worldwide, she stands as one of the most successful musicians on the global stage. As of 2023, Shakira holds the esteemed title of being the best-selling female Latin artist in both the United States and worldwide, according to Billboard.
Her impact as a “global phenom” has transcended borders, reaching every corner of the world. Shakira’s unique artistic prowess lies in her ability to bridge the gap between the western and eastern musical traditions.
By popularizing Middle Eastern sounds in the West and Western sounds in the East, particularly in the Middle East, she has been hailed as an “artistic link” between these two regions.
Her Colombian-Lebanese heritage has further amplified her influence, particularly among Latino and Middle-Eastern musicians. Shakira’s contributions extend beyond introducing diverse musical genres, instruments, and techniques from Latin America, the Middle East, and other regions to a wider audience.
She has also played a significant role in popularizing Spanish-language music on a global scale. In recognition of her immense impact, MTV included Shakira in their 2022 list of “The Most Influential Women in the History of Music,” where she stood as the sole Latina representative.
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